Then abrupt darkness as tragedy struck and duty called him away.
“Typical vampire,” she said with a shake of her head. “Always brooding, never leaving a forwarding address.” Her weathered hands flew to her heart. “But they already know each other. They’ve already fallen inlove.” Her voice shook. “This is even better than I could conjure up myself.”
The steam parted like a curtain to reveal twin scenes of heartache: Cyrene alone in her workshop, tears falling onto a special lantern she’d made just for him, whispering his name night after night until she forced herself to stop. He’d left her, and she didn’t know why. Soon, she blamed herself. She was too joyful, too…flighty.
Then she changed, becoming solemn, hiding the very part of herself that made her special.
The next images showed the newly crowned vampire king searching for her, sending careful inquiries throughout the witch territories, though he was thwarted by the simple fact that he’d never learned her full name or the exact village she came from.
“Six years,” Elizabeth said, swirling her fingers through the steam. “So much longing on both sides, neither knowing the other still thinks of those days.”
She clapped her hands. “Excellent. Nothing rekindles fading wards like eliminating unresolved romantic tension.”
This was the perfect recipe for a reunion that could create magic powerful enough to help heal their world.
Will you tell them?Grimble asked, watching as she worked.Or will you let them figure it out themselves with no hints or helpful nudges?
“Should I? Hmm… The best matches are the ones people think they stumble into all on their own. I’ll merely rearrange the furniture of fate.” Elizabeth directed the concoction to stir faster, a smile spreading across her lined face. “This explains why she’s so glum all the time. The sweet woman’s been keeping embers warm in her heart for the vampire king all this time.”
She allowed the steam to dissipate, the visions fading as the magical ingredients lost their power. She’d seen enough. Tomorrow, she’d send word to the vampire king about an alliance through marriage. As matriarch of one of the oldest witch bloodlines and head of their local coven, he’d accept.
The magical equilibrium needed cooperation, connection, and love. She’d give it to them with this match.
She couldn’t tell them about the failing magic in both their territories. If word got out, there’d be an uproar. Better to fix this behind the scenes, then sit back and enjoy the happiness these matches would bring to their newly repaired community.
Marriages were always arranged. Her granddaughters knew their time would soon come. The three granddaughters she’d raised were three chances to repair their wards. And if that wasn’t enough, well, she had other granddaughters to pick from.
This would work. Ithadto work.
What about your other granddaughters?Grimble asked, leaping onto the counter beside Elizabeth, his double-clawed paws landing silently on the smooth surface. He purred while rubbing against her arm, his thick fur soft and soothing.Will you arrange matches for them as well?
“Perhaps. I have many granddaughters, though I won’t do this all at once.” Elizabeth stroked his spine,and his purring grew louder. “I may have spotted a particularly grumpy dragon shifter king who needs some sunshine in his life. And a wolf shifter king. And let us not forget the fae king who…”
Who…?
Elizabeth snickered. “I’m not going to say. Not yet.”
“As for Raoul, the dragon king, his intellectual intensity may be perfect for my weather witch granddaughter, Adele, though I’ll have to scry their match before making any arrangements. Adele needs someone who could match her brilliant mind and hold onto his patience when she loses herself in books for days.” She smiled, thinking of her second-oldest granddaughter surrounded by stacks of weather magic tomes.
Elizabeth reached for her tea, sipping while thinking this through. “And the fae king has been sending diplomatic letters already, hoping for a treaty between our people. I could suggest a match to solidify it, and he won’t think anything of it. This sort of thing used to be done all the time.”
Long ago, not recently.
“True.” She tilted her head, thinking. “He’s far too flighty and frivolous, as are all the fae, but I’ve watched him. While he projects decadence and charm on the surface, I believe it’s a façade. He needs someone who can see past his act to the true male beneath.” She nodded. “Sasha’s stern nature might balance him perfectly. My oldest granddaughter needs someonewho will make her laugh, and he may be the perfect choice.”
“And for Victoria, I believe the wolf shifter king could be the perfect match for her, though I’ll wait to make certain of that with a good pot of brew, naturally.”
Naturally.
Did she hear sarcasm in her companion’s voice? She cut him a sharp look, but he had sat on her table and was licking his paw, using it to clean his right ear.
“One match at a time. Each will take delicate care.”
You don’t want to cause an international incident. Grimble’s tone held admiration now, which made her preen.
“Only a small one if need be. The harmless sort with enchanted tortes, scandalous kisses, and great-grandbabies I can spoil rotten.”
And if the vampire king, Kieran, had no idea his mysterious bride-to-be was the joy witch who’d captured his heart years ago? Well, some surprises were worth waiting for.
